2001 Acura MDX
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Power train is the leading concern among 224 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 3rd highest complaint count among 24 MDX model years with reports.
Of the 2001 reports, 9 involved a crash and 1 involved a fire. 10 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Air bags, frontal, driver side, inflator moduleJan 17, 2020
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2001-2002 Acura 3.2CL, 2000-2003 Acura 3.5RL, 2000-2001 Acura 3.2TL, Honda CR-V and Honda Odyssey, 2001-2002 Acura MDX and 2000 Accord Coupe, Accord Sedan, Civic Coupe, and Civic Sedan vehicles. These vehicles may have received a replacement driver frontal air bag module as part of a vehicle repair. Due to a manufacturing issue, the replacement NADI inflator may absorb moisture, causing the inflator to rupture or the air bag cushion to underinflate.
In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, an inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants. An underinflated air bag cushion may not properly protect the occupant. These scenarios increase the risk of serious injury or death.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the air bags in the vehicles, replacing the driver frontal air bag inflator with an inflator of a different design, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 1, 2020. Owners may contact American Honda's Customer Support & Campaign Center at 1-888-234-2138.
Campaign 20V027000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, driver side, inflator moduleJan 17, 2020
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 1998 Acura 2.2CL, 1998-1999 Acura 2.3CL, 1998-1999 Acura 3.0CL, 2001 Acura 3.2CL and Acura MDX, 1998-2000 Honda Accord Coupe, Accord Sedan, Civic Sedan, Odyssey and Acura 3.5RL, 1999-2000 Acura 3.2TL, 1996-2000 Civic Coupe, 1997-2000 CR-V, 1997-1998 EV Plus, and 1998-1999 Isuzu Oasis vehicles. These vehicles were equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI) and do not contain phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. Due to a manufacturing issue, the NADI inflators may absorb moisture, causing the inflators to rupture or the air bag cushion to underinflate.
In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, an inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants. An underinflated air bag cushion may not properly protect the occupant. These scenarios increase the risk of serious injury or death.
Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the driver frontal air bag inflator, and replace it if necessary, with an inflator of a different design, free of charge. The recall began October 1, 2020. Owners may contact American Honda's Customer Support & Campaign Center at 1-888-234-2138 or Isuzu customer service at 1-800-255-6727.
Campaign 20V026000 on NHTSA.gov
Suspension, front, springs, coil springsSep 1, 2005
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, VIRGINIA, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. IN AREAS WHERE LARGE QUANTITIES OF ROAD SALT ARE USED, THE FRONT SUSPENSION COIL SPRINGS HAVE INSUFFICIENT CORROSION PROTECTION, AND MAY BE SUSCEPTIBLE TO CORROSION.
EXCESSIVE CORROSION CAN CAUSE SPRING FAILURE AND A BROKEN SPRING COULD PUNCTURE A FRONT TIRE, WHICH INCREASES THE RISK OF A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL REPLACE BOTH FRONT SPRINGS WITH IMPROVED SPRINGS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 11, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT ACURA AT 800-382-2238.
Campaign 05V385000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, automatic transmissionApr 15, 2004
ON SOME MINI VANS, SPORT UTILITY AND PASSENGER VEHICLES, CERTAIN OPERATING CONDITIONS CAN RESULT IN HEAT BUILD-UP BETWEEN THE COUNTERSHAFT AND SECONDARY SHAFT SECOND GEARS IN THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, EVENTUALLY LEADING TO GEAR TOOTH CHIPPING OR GEAR BREAKAGE.
GEAR FAILURE COULD RESULT IN TRANSMISSION LOCKUP, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
ON VEHICLES WITH 15,000 MILES OR LESS, THE DEALER WILL UPDATE THE TRANSMISSION WITH A SIMPLE REVISION TO THE OIL COOLER RETURN LINE TO INCREASE LUBRICATION TO THE SECOND GEAR. ON VEHICLES WITH MORE THAN 15,000 MILES, THE DEALER WILL INSPECT THE TRANSMISSION TO IDENTIFY GEARS THAT HAVE ALREADY EXPERIENCED DISCOLORATION DUE TO OVERHEATING. IF DISCOLORATION EXISTS, THE TRANSMISSION WILL BE REPLACED IF DISCOLORATION IS NOT PRESENT, THE DEALER WILL PERFORM THE REVISION TO THE OIL COOLER RETURN LINE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 21, 2004, FOR PILOT, ODYSSEY, AND MDX OWNERS. OWNERS OF THE ACCORD VEHICLES WILL START RECEIVING LETTERS ON JUNE 28, 2004, AND ON JUNE 29, 2004, FOR OWNERS OF THE TL AND CL VEHICLES. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009 OR ACURA AT 1-800-382-2238.
Campaign 04V176000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
224 reports, newest first.
Power train, Feb 15, 2014
TRANSMISSION FAILURE. *TR
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Electronic stability control (ESC), Sep 20, 2013
2ND OCCURRENCE) DURING THE MONTH OF OCTOBER 2012, I WAS DRIVING WHEN THE SPEEDOMETER MOVED UP AND DOWN REALLY FAST. THE CAR FELT LIKE IT WAS GOING TO SHUT OFF. I HAD TO PUT THE CAR IN PARK AND PRESS THE GAS PEDAL TO KEEP IN RUNNING. ON MY WAY TO THE MECHANIC THE CAR ACCELERATED REALLY FAST WITH A HARD JERKING MOTION. IT CUT OFF WHEN I STOPPED AT THE STREET LIGHT. I TURNED THE CAR BACK ON AND DROVE NO MORE THAN FIFTEEN FEET WHEN IT STARTED JERKING AGAIN. THE MECHANIC SAID I NEEDED TO REPLACE THE IDLE UNIT THE VALVES. 3RD OCCURRENCE) DURING THE MONTH OF MARCH 2013, I WAS DRIVING TO VEGAS WHEN THE CAR STARTED SMOKING I PULLED OVER TO LET THE CAR COOL. I RESTARTED THE CAR AND DROVE A FEW MILES WHEN IT BEGAN TO LOSE POWER AND SMOKE AND. I CALLED AAA AND GOT TOWED TO A MECHANIC WHO TOLD ME I NEEDED A NEW TRANSMISSION. WHICH HE QUOTED ME $3,400 FOR A ONE YEAR WARRANTY. *TR
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Electronic stability control (ESC), Sep 20, 2013
2ND OCCURRENCE) DURING THE MONTH OF OCTOBER 2012, I WAS DRIVING WHEN THE SPEEDOMETER MOVED UP AND DOWN REALLY FAST. THE CAR FELT LIKE IT WAS GOING TO SHUT OFF. I HAD TO PUT THE CAR IN PARK AND PRESS THE GAS PEDAL TO KEEP IN RUNNING. ON MY WAY TO THE MECHANIC THE CAR ACCELERATED REALLY FAST WITH A HARD JERKING MOTION. IT CUT OFF WHEN I STOPPED AT THE STREET LIGHT. I TURNED THE CAR BACK ON AND DROVE NO MORE THAN FIFTEEN FEET WHEN IT STARTED JERKING AGAIN. THE MECHANIC SAID I NEEDED TO REPLACE THE IDLE UNIT THE VALVES. 3RD OCCURRENCE) DURING THE MONTH OF MARCH 2013, I WAS DRIVING TO VEGAS WHEN THE CAR STARTED SMOKING I PULLED OVER TO LET THE CAR COOL. I RESTARTED THE CAR AND DROVE A FEW MILES WHEN IT BEGAN TO LOSE POWER AND SMOKE AND. I CALLED AAA AND GOT TOWED TO A MECHANIC WHO TOLD ME I NEEDED A NEW TRANSMISSION. WHICH HE QUOTED ME $3,400 FOR A ONE YEAR WARRANTY. *TR
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Electronic stability control (ESC), Sep 20, 2013
1ST OCCURRENCE) DURING THE MONTH OF MARCH 2011, THE CAR STARTED JERKING WHILE I WAS DRIVING. IT WOULD SPEED UP THEN LOSE POWER. IT WAS VERY HARD TO STOP THE CAR. I TOOK IT TO A MECHANIC WHO PUT IT ON A MACHINE THAT SHOWED I NEEDED A NEW TRANSMISSION. I PAID $2,800 FOR A REBUILT 90 DAY WARRANTY TRANSMISSION. SOMETHING MUST BE DONE TO BRING AWARENESS TO THIS ISSUE ALONG WITH REIMBURSING CUSTOMERS FOR HAVING TO SPEND THEIR MONEY REPEATEDLY FOR ISSUES THAT KEEP OCCURRING. I NEED HELP IN FINDING OUT HOW I CAN SUBMIT A CLAIM FOR REIMBURSEMENT TO COVER THE COST OF HONDA'S FAULTY MANUFACTURER DEFECT. *TR
Power train, Aug 9, 2013
MY MDX SHAKES WHILE DRIVING NOT SPECIFIC TO ACCELERATION, BUT PERIODICALLY IT WILL SHAKE SEVERELY FOR A FEW SECONDS AND STOP WITH NO INTERVENTION FROM ME. I DO NOT SLOW DOWN OR STOP WHEN THIS HARD SHAKING OCCURS--COURSE IT'S NORMAL FOR ME BUT MY PASSENGERS ARE STARTLED AND CONCERNED. THIS MDX HAS BEE DOING THIS FOR YEARS. DEALER SAYS I NEED A NEW TRANSMISSION. OTHER REPAIR FACILITIES HAVE INVESTIGATED AND TRIED REPAIRS THAT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. THIS MDX ALSO "GROWLS" THERE IS A LOUD SOUND THAT IS HEARD WHILE DRIVING THAT ENDS WITH THE VEHICLE NEARLY STALLING OUT BUT I CONTINUE TO PRESS ON THE ACCELERATOR AND IT HAS SO FAR NOT STALLED. I BROUGHT THIS TO THE ATTENTION OF THE DEALER ALSO DURING THE INSPECTION FOR SEVERE SHAKING AND I WAS TOLD I NEEDED A NEW TRANSMISSION. THIS WAS 4 YEARS AGO AND I AM STILL DRIVING THE VEHICLE WITH THESE CONCERNS. SINCE THE ORIGINAL COMPLAINTS OF SHAKING AND LOUD GROWLING SOUNDS I HAVE HAD ISSUES WITH THE GEAR SHIFTER. WHEN I WANTED TO PUT THE GEAR IN DRIVE IT WOULD NOT GO. THERE WAS SOMETHING PREVENTING IT FROM MOVING-LOCKED MAYBE? I USED THE KEY RELEASE FOR THE GEAR AND PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL TO START THE ENGINE AND THEN INTO DRIVE. THIS HAPPENS SPORADICALLY MAYBE A COUPLE TIMES A YEAR SO FAR. I HAVE NOT HAD THIS ISSUE INVESTIGATED. I STARTED TO HEAR FRONT END SOUNDS ALMOST IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE RECALL WORK WAS PERFORMED BY THE DEALERSHIP. SINCE THAT DEALERSHIP AND I HAD A MUTUAL DISAGREEMENT THAT WAS DISTASTEFUL ENOUGH TO CAUSE ME NOT TO RETURN THERE I HAVE TOLERATED THE CLUNKING SOUNDS FROM MY FRONT END. NOW THAT PARTICULAR DEALER IS NO LONGER IN BUSINESS (SOLD THE FRANCHISE) I AM BRINGING MY VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER FOR POSSIBLE INVESTIGATION OF THE FRONT-END NOISE. *TR
Power train, Jul 17, 2013, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 ACURA MDX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER PARKING THE VEHICLE, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY SHIFTED INTO DRIVE AND ROLLED DOWN A RESIDENTIAL DRIVEWAY. THE REAR BUMPER OF THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A TREE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 118,000. *TR
Power train, Feb 25, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 ACURA MDX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE GEARS SEIZED UNEXPECTEDLY FOR A BRIEF MOMENT WITH A LOUD UNUSUAL NOISE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHENEVER ACCELERATING FROM A COMPLETE STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. IN 2006, THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V176000 (POWER TRAIN). THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Power train, Feb 4, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 ACURA MDX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE TRANSMISSION SUDDENLY SHOOK VIOLENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE TORQUE CONVERTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY FURTHER ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 82,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 93,000. THE VIN NUMBER WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Power train, Electrical system, Dec 13, 2012
THERE IS A MALFUNCTION OF THE IGNITION INTERLOCK FEATURE. THE KEY CAN BE REMOVED WHILE THE TRANSMISSION IS IN NEUTRAL OR DRIVE. THE VEHICLE IS AT RISK OF ROLLING AWAY WHILE UNATTENDED. *TR
Engine, Dec 6, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 ACURA MDX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTO REPAIR SHOP BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED FOR THE FAILURE, OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT WAS NOT AWARE OF WHAT CAUSED THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
Visibility, Aug 17, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 ACURA MDX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS BUBBLING ON THE REAR VIEW MIRROR. HE LATER NOTICED AN ABNORMAL LIQUID COMING ROM THE MIRROR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT UNDER WARRANTY, PROVIDING NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 118,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 119,000.
Power train, Jul 9, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 ACURA MDX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION SHUTTERED WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE TORQUE CONVERTER OR THE ENTIRE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE HAD SINCE RECURRED WHENEVER THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN AT 40 MPH. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.
Suspension, May 24, 2012
2001 ACURA MDX. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO DRIVER SIDE FRONT SUSPENSION COIL SPRING *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN THE DRIVER SIDE COIL SPRING BROKE, IT PIERCED THE TIRE, RESULTING IN HIM LOSING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. *JB
Power train, Jan 16, 2012
TRANSMISSION FAILURE CAUSED BY PLUGGED FLUID COOLER IN RADIATOR.FOLLOWING OCCASIONAL UNDIAGNOSED HIGH TRANSMISSION TEMPERATURE FLUID WARNINGS WHEN TOWING A TRAILER, CAR SHIFTED UNEXPECTEDLY INTO 2ND GEAR AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. JUST PRIOR, SHIFTING HAD BECOME SLIGHTLY ERRATIC, INCLUDING SHARP ENGAGEMENT ABOVE IDLE WHEN PULLING AWAY. ERRATIC BEHAVIOR WAS NOTICEABLE, BUT NOT DISCONCERTING. ONCE THE TRANSMISSION STARTED SHIFTING INTO 2ND GEAR AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE WAS SLOWED, AND PULLED OFF THE HIGHWAY BRIEFLY TO COOL. UPON RESTARTING, ERRATIC SHIFTING CONTINUED. TRIP COMPLETED BY HOLDING CAR IN 2ND GEAR. VEHICLE OPERATED NORMALLY NEXT MORNING DRIVING TO SHOP. DIAGNOSIS WAS COMPUTER UNABLE TO DETERMINE WHAT GEAR TRANSMISSION WAS IN. SHOP PERFORMED COMPLETE TRANSMISSION OVERHAUL. CAR THEN OPERATED NORMALLY - UNTIL TRAILER TOWING AGAIN ATTEMPTED. TRAILER HAD BEEN TOWED WITH INDETICAL LOADING FOR SOME 6+ YEARS WITHOUT PROBLEMS, INCLUDING MOUNTAIN PASSES IN 3RD GEAR. NOW WHEN TOWING TRANSMISSION OVERHEATED WITHOUT WARNING IN COLD WEATHER, INCLUDING OVER-TEMPERATURE LIGHT, & TRANSMISSION FLUID SPRAYING OUT, WETTING THE UNDERSIDE OF THE CAR & EXHAUST SYSTEM, CREATING SMOKE CLOUD. REPEATED ATTEMPTS TO FIX WERE UNSUCCESSFUL UNTIL TRANSMISSION SHOP FINALLY FOUND FLUID COOLER INTEGRAL TO THE RADIATOR PLUGGED SOLID, ALLOWING NO FLUID FLOW THROUGH THAT COOLER OR THE FACTORY-INSTALLED TOWING PACKAGE COOLER. WARNING! IF YOU HAVE AN OLDER ACURA THAT EXPERIENCES TRANSMISSION FLUID OVERHEATING, RADIATOR REPLACEMENT IS LIKELY NEEDED. IT IS LIKELY THAT THE OVERHEATING HASTENED THE FAILURE OF THE TRANSMISSION. THE SEVERE DECELERATION OF THE VEHICLE WHEN DOWNSHIFTING ON ITS OWN INTO 2ND GEAR AT HIGHWAY SPEED COULD EASILY HAVE RESULTED IN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS ARE COMMON WITH THIS MODEL OF VEHICLE. I AM SURPRISED THAT HONDA HAS NOT DONE SOMETHING ABOUT IT. *TR
Power train, Jan 16, 2012
TRANMISSION FAILURE CAUSED BY PLUGGED FLUID COOLER IN RADIATOR. FOLLOWING OCCASIONAL UNDIAGNOSED HIGH TRANSMISSION TEMPERATURE FLUID WARNINGS WHEN TOWING A TRAILER, CAR SHIFTED UNEXPECTEDLY INTO 2ND GEAR AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. JUST PRIOR, SHIFTING HAD BECOME SLIGHTLY ERRATIC, INCLUDING SHARP ENGAGEMENT ABOVE IDLE WHEN PULLING AWAY. ERRATIC BEHAVIOR WAS NOTICEABLE, BUT NOT DISCONCERTING. ONCE THE TRANSMISSION STARTED SHIFTING INTO 2ND GEAR AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE WAS SLOWED, AND PULLED OFF THE HIGHWAY BRIEFLY TO COOL. UPON RESTARTING, ERRATIC SHIFTING CONTINUED. TRIP COMPLETED BY HOLDING CAR IN 2ND GEAR. VEHICLE OPERATED NORMALLY NEXT MORNING DRIVING TO SHOP. DIAGNOSIS WAS COMPUTER UNABLE TO DETERMINE WHAT GEAR TRANSMISSION WAS IN. SHOP PERFORMED COMPLETE TRANSMISSION OVERHAUL. CAR THEN OPERATED NORMALLY - UNTIL TRAILER TOWING AGAIN ATTEMPTED. TRAILER HAD BEEN TOWED WITH INDETICAL LOADING FOR SOME 6+ YEARS WITHOUT PROBLEMS, INCLUDING MOUNTAIN PASSES IN 3RD GEAR. NOW WHEN TOWING TRANSMISSION OVERHEATED WITHOUT WARNING IN COLD WEATHER, INCLUDING OVER-TEMPERATURE LIGHT, & TRANSMISSION FLUID SPRAYING OUT, WETTING THE UNDERSIDE OF THE CAR & EXHAUST SYSTEM, CREATING SMOKE CLOUD. REPEATED ATTEMPTS TO FIX WERE UNSUCCESSFUL UNTIL TRANSMISSION SHOP FINALLY FOUND FLUID COOLER INTEGRAL TO THE RADIATOR PLUGGED SOLID, ALLOWING NO FLUID FLOW THROUGH THAT COOLER OR THE FACTORY-INSTALLED TOWING PACKAGE COOLER. WARNING! IF YOU HAVE AN OLDER ACURA THAT EXPERIENCES TRANSMISSION FLUID OVERHEATING, RADIATOR REPLACEMENT IS LIKELY NEEDED. IT IS LIKELY THAT THE OVERHEATING HASTENED THE FAILURE OF THE TRANSMISSION. THE SEVERE DECELERATION OF THE VEHICLE WHEN DOWNSHIFTING ON ITS OWN INTO 2ND GEAR AT HIGHWAY SPEED COULD EASILY HAVE RESULTED IN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS ARE COMMON WITH THIS MODEL OF VEHICLE. I AM SURPRISED THAT HONDA HAS NOT DONE SOMETHING ABOUT IT. *TR
Power train, Jan 5, 2012
RPM'S RUN HIGH AND THEN SUDDEN ENGINE CUT OFF; IN ADDITION, A SHUDDER OR VIBRATION DEVELOPS WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS BETWEEN 35 AND 40 MPH. ACURA STATED A FAILED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION TORQUE CONVERTER. IT IS RECOMMEND REPLACING THE TORQUE CONVERTER AND INSTALLING AN UPDATED POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) TO CORRECT THIS CONCERN. THERE ARE NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS OR CODES AT THIS TIME. TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED AT 140,000 PREVIOUSLY. *TR
Power train, Nov 29, 2011
I OWN 2001 ACURA MDX AND MY DAUGHTER IS THE PRIMARY DRIVER. SHE STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING DOWN WITH HER FOUR MONTH INFANT THE CAR BEGAN TO JUMP IN A JERKING MOTION AT 35 MPH. THE GEAR LIGHT STARTED TO BLINK REPEATEDLY AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. WHILE PULLING OFF THE ROAD THE VEHICLE WAS SKIPPING BEFORE CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP TRYING TO MAKE IT HOME , THE VEHICLE SLOWLY SPED UP AND STARTED TO JERK AND SKIP AGAIN AND THEN STARTED BACK INTO REVERSE. IT WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP AND WAS TOLD THAT THE VEHICLE HAD A TRANSMISSION FAILURE AND IT WAS RECALLED THE SAME PROBLEM. AS THE SECOND OWNER OF THE VEHICLE, I WAS NOT AWARE OF THE RECALL SO I DID SOME RESEARCH AND FOUND OUT THAT OTHER OWNERS ARE STILL HAVING PROBLEM EVEN WITH THE RECALL SO CALL TO BE FIXED THE DEFECT PROBLEMS. I CALLED THE DEALER( PROVIDED VIN) TO VERIFY MY VEHICLE WAS TAKEN IN FOR THE RECALL AND WAS TOLD IT WAS TAKEN IN AND "INSPECTED" AND NOT FURTHER INFORMATION WHAT ELSE WAS DONE. THE DEALER GAVE ME AN OVER THE PHONE ESTIMATE FOR REPAIR COST OF $5500. I REQUESTED A HARD COPY VIA EMAIL AND THEY SENT ME AN ESTIMATE FOR $6581.37 TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION. I CALLED AMERICA HONDA CO ON SEVERAL OCCASION TO GET MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE RECALL AND TO FIND OUT WHAT EXACTLY DONE TO THE VEHICLE AND ALL THEY ARE TELLING ME THAT MY VEHICLE WAS FIXED DURING THE RECALL AND THEY HAVE NO INFORMATION ON WHAT WAS FIXED OR DONE TO THE VEHICLE AND THAT I WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIR COST. I TOLD AMERICA HONDA THAT I WAS CALLING FOR RECALL INFORMATION AND THEY WERE MORE CONCERN ABOUT WHO WERE RESPONSIBLE REPAIR COST. DURING MY RESEARCH I LEARN THIS INCIDENT WITH MY VEHICLE IS STILL A SAFETY ISSUE AND LUCKILY NO ONE WAS HURT AND NO FATALITY YET. THIS IS MY COMPLAINT ABOUT MY ACURA MDX STILL DANGEROUS EVEN AS OLDER LUXURY VEHICLE. *KB
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 11, 2011
I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT 65 MPH AND ALL OF A SUDDEN THE ENGINE CUT OFF. I LOST ENGINE POWER AND THE CAR BEGAN TO SLOW DOWN. AFTER PULLING TO THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY, I WAS NOT ABLE TO PUT THE CAR IN PARK NOR REMOVE THE KEY. AFTER SEVERAL MINUTES, I WAS ABLE TO PUT THE TRANSMISSION IN PARK AND REMOVE THE KEY. THE CAR STARTED AGAIN AFTER 10 MINUTES AND DROVE IT TO THE REPAIR SHOP. THE SHOP COULD NOT REPLICATE THE PROBLEM AND SAID MY CAR IS FINE. I KNOW THE CAR IS NOT FINE BECAUSE IT CUT OFF ON ME WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. THIS CAR IS AN ACCIDENT TRAP WAITING TO HAPPEN. *TR
Power train, Sep 3, 2011
MY 2001 MDX HAS BEEN HAVING THIS ISSUE FOR OVER 2 YEARS. IT HAPPENS ONLY SOMETIMES BUT USUALLY WHEN ACCELERATING FROM 2ND TO 3RD GEAR. IT MAKES A SHUDDERING SOUND AND THEN THE RPMS GO UP AND IT WILL NOT ACCELERATE. YOU HAVE TO THEN STOP OR SLOW DOWN TO MAKE IT GO IN A LOWER GEAR. SOMETIMES THIS WILL HAPPEN 2 TO 4 TIMES A DRIVE AND SOMETIMES WILL GO DAYS WITHOUT HAPPENING. MECHANIC THOUGHT IT TO BE TRANSMISSION ISSUE AND SAID DRIVE IT UNTIL IT STOPS. HOWEVER...AFTER READING HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS ONLINE...IT APPEARS THAT INDIVIDUALS HAVE FIXED THE TRANNY OR TORQUE CONVERTER ONLY TO HAVE THE PROBLEM SOON REAPPEAR. I AM HESITANT TO REPLACE TRANNY/TRANS AS I HAVE 163,000 MILES ON IT AND DO NOT WANT TO REPLACE THESE ITEMS IF THEY WON'T FIX THE PROBLEM. MANY, MANY COMPLAINTS OF THE EXACT SAME THING ALL OVER THE WEB. HONDA SHOULD BE MADE TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE AND SEE WHAT THE PROBLEM IS! I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER ...BOUGHT IT NEW IN 2000. HAVE TAKEN GOOD CARE OF IT AND PERFORMED SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE. JUST WANT TO KNOW WHAT THE ISSUE REALLY IS BEFORE I SPEND $3000 TO $4000 DOLLARS TO FIX IT. OTHER THAN THIS....LOVE THE VEHICLE! PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS ISSUE!! *TR
Power train, Jul 8, 2011
2001 MDX SHUDDERS AT 1500 RPM (LIKE RUNNING OVER A SPEED STRIP) APPARENTLY A FAULTY TORQUE CONVERTER (TRANSMISSION). *TR
Power train, Jun 9, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 ACURA MDS. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH THE TRANSMISSION FAILED. THE GEARS LOCKED BETWEEN SECOND AND THIRD GEAR AND BEGAN TO SHIFT AS IF SOMETHING WAS POPPING IN THE TRANSMISSION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO CONFIRMED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT THE CONTACTS EXPENSE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT HE WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIR COST SINCE THERE WERE NO RECALLS OR WARRANTY ON THAT VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 102,350.
Power train, Apr 27, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 ACURA MDX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V176000 (POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION). SHORTLY AFTER REPAIRS, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO STALL SPORADICALLY WITH THE ILLUMINATION OF THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A DEALER AND THEY ADVISED HIM THAT THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED A SECOND TIME. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE STATING THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED ONCE UNDER THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT FURTHER REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 137,000.
Power train, Jan 3, 2011
WE HAVE A 2001 ACURA MDX WHICH HAS DEVELOPED A "SPEED BUMP" SHUDDER AT AROUND 30 MPH. THE ACURA DEALER DIDN'T MENTION THAT THIS IS A RECURRING PROBLEM AS I FOUND OUT AT THIS LINK --- HTTP://TOWNHALL-TALK.EDMUNDS.COM/WEBX?14@@.F1775EB/461 --- THERE ARE MANY, MANY PEOPLE ON THIS FORUM DISCUSSING THIS SAME PROBLEM. IT APPEARS THAT THIS PROBLEM IS WIDESPREAD AND COMMON. ACURA'S WAY OF FIXING THE ISSUE WAS TO GIVE US 15% OFF OF A NEW TRANSMISSION WHICH IS NOT A VERY FRIENDLY WAY OF FIXING A PROBLEM WHICH HAS APPARENTLY BEEN IN THE CAR'S DNA SINCE IT WAS BUILT. WE THEN GOT A SOFTWARE UPDATE LETTER IN NOVEMBER OF THIS YEAR FROM ACURA FOR THIS SAME PROBLEM FOR A 2005 MDX WHICH WE NO LONGER OWN. ONE OF THE KEY LINES IN THE LETTER IS "THIS (FIX) CAN HELP PREVENT YOUR TRANSMISSION FROM BEING DAMAGED." WOW --- WILL IT TAKE A FAILED TRANSMISSION AND THE DEATH OF A FAMILY AS WITH THE TOYOTA DEBACLE TO GET THEM TO ACT RESPONSIBLY AND DO A VOLUNTARY RECALL ON ALL MDXS??!!
Power train, Dec 23, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 ACURA MDX. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH GOING UP A HILL THE TRANSMISSION WOULD LUNGE FORWARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC AND HE ADVISED HER THAT HE COULD NOT DUPLICATED THE FAILURE. SHE STATED THAT A LOCAL MECHANIC LOOKED AT THE VEHICLE AT LEAST THREE TIMES AND WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ANOTHER LOCAL MECHANIC AND SHE WAS ADVISED THAT A DIAGNOSTIC TEST WOULD COST $700. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DRIVEN SINCE OCTOBER 2010. THE VEHICLE WAS PRE-OWNED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED RECALL 04V176000, POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION AND STATED THAT THE RECALL WAS PERFORMED PER ACURA'S WEBSITE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 115,000.
Power train, Dec 15, 2010
FAULTY TORQUE CONVERTER. CAR SHUDDERS WHILE DRIVING. IT OCCURS EVERY TIME I MOVE AT A CONSTANT SPEED, TYPICALLY ANYWHERE BETWEEN 20-50 . *TR